Island's Apart by Mario Washington-Ihieme

Public Story

Island's Apart

Copyright Mario Washington-Ihieme 2024

Updated Dec 2021

Topics Britishness, Cuba, Documentary, Identity, Island, Photography, UK

I am a British-Nigerian self-taught Documentary photographer based in London. My personal projects and stories have mainly focused on historically marginalised African, Carribbean and Latinx communities in London and their relationship with issues surrounding gentrification and social inequalities. I've since developed a deep interest in the events and cultures that reflect collectivism, a sense of togetherness in a place inherently individualistic. I've since travelled and documented stories in Nigeria and Cuba that reflect cultural norms, and stories of individuals that not only are of personal interest, but stories that exuberate life where living styles differ from that of the UK.
--

Moving to a new place brings to the surface personal questions connections to your place of birth and your place of being. From the Island of Cuba – home – to the British Isles – a home away from home – Amanda has had to navigate the internal and social representations of "Cuban-ness" created beyond its borders. A recipient of the Chevening scholarship to study at Goldsmiths, UK, her research explores the migration stories of Cubans in Europe and their sense of belonging and self-identification through sensory memories, materials,culture body language, nostalgia and situated experiences. "ISLANDS APART" is an ongoing exploration of a dear friend who's on a journey to collating a range of narratives from the Cuban diaspora in Europe, whilst simultaneously exploring her Cuban identity whilst living in the UK. If you want to know more about her project and if you would like to take part, please visit her account and visit the website rootedtoanisland.com

Link to my instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/maz_o/

814